19 years old and jaw expanded?

After having the palatial expander I had on for about two and a half months removed. I was not given a retainer due to the fact my ortho said I was good to go. I questioned the decision, and ortho answered it was because of my age of 19 it was only dental tipping. But I did however noticed my upper jaw cheekbones widen tremendously. Now It has been almost five months since the removal of my expander and the expansion in my jaw stayed widen.Did the bones widen or is my teeth pushing my cheekbones